Clarifying vehicle tint regulations -WHAT MOTORISTS NEED TO KNOW
With a wave of misinformation circulating and causing confusion among motorists, this article serves to clearly outline the facts on Guyana’s new Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2025, using only official information issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Authorities have urged the public to rely solely on verified government sources for guidance, as the new rules are intended to bring clarity, fairness and consistency to enforcement across the country.
The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026, and apply to all motor vehicles operating in Guyana. From that date, a three-month amnesty period will begin, allowing motorists to test their vehicle tint levels and make any necessary adjustments without facing penalties.
Under the new regulations, clear standards have been set for window tint levels, measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT). No tint is permitted on the front windscreen, except for a visor strip at the top of the windscreen, which must not exceed six inches. For the front side windows, including the driver and front passenger windows, a minimum of 25 per cent VLT is required. The rear side windows must have a minimum of 20 per cent VLT, while the rear windscreen must also meet a minimum of 20 per cent VLT. In addition, all mirrored or reflective tints are prohibited under the new regulations, regardless of the window position.
To ensure fairness and transparency, enforcement will be carried out using approved tint meters certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards. These devices are intended to remove guesswork and inconsistencies in roadside checks.
As part of the rollout, the Guyana Police Force will establish free voluntary tint-testing sites nationwide. These locations will be publicly announced, giving motorists the opportunity to check their vehicles during the amnesty period and determine whether changes are needed.
Once the amnesty period ends, non-compliance will attract penalties. Offences involving illegal tint will result in a $30,000 fine, applicable to both drivers and businesses found applying unlawful tint to vehicles.
The regulations also recognise that certain categories require enhanced protection or accommodation. Exemptions apply to vehicles used by the President and Prime Minister, designated senior government officials, the Police Force, Defence Force, Fire Service and Prison Service, emergency services including ambulances, diplomatic and consular missions, licensed private security agencies, individuals with certified medical conditions requiring reduced exposure to sunlight, and businesses involved in high-risk cash handling or security-sensitive operations.
For those granted exemptions, approved exemption certificates must be carried in the vehicle at all times. These certificates will also be recorded in a national tint registry, allowing for verification during enforcement.
Authorities are advising motorists to use the amnesty period wisely, have vehicles tested, remove or adjust illegal tint where necessary, and ensure compliance before full enforcement begins. The Ministry of Home Affairs has stressed that the regulations are aimed at improving road safety and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
For accurate updates and official guidance, motorists are encouraged to consult the Ministry of Home Affairs through its official pages and to disregard unverified claims circulating on social media.
